Teal Millpond Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Teal Millpond Dam, located in Chesterfield, South Carolina, stands as a significant structure for water resource and climate enthusiasts.


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Summary

Completed in 1920, this earth dam serves primarily for recreational purposes, holding a storage capacity of 1280 acre-feet. With a height of 15 feet and a length of 390 feet, the dam impounds Bear Creek, creating a surface area of 200 acres for recreational activities.

Despite its historical significance, Teal Millpond Dam is facing challenges in its structural integrity. Recent inspections have rated its condition as poor, with a significant hazard potential. The last inspection in September 2019 highlighted the need for maintenance and potential risk management measures. As a privately owned dam, the responsibility for upkeep and ensuring public safety falls on the owner. The dam is under state regulation and inspection by the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control to ensure compliance with safety standards.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Teal Millpond Dam presents a case study in balancing the preservation of historic structures with the imperative of ensuring public safety and environmental protection. As discussions continue on the future of aging dams like Teal Millpond, stakeholders must collaborate to address maintenance needs, risk factors, and potential mitigation strategies. The fate of this dam serves as a reminder of the critical role that proactive management plays in safeguarding our water resources and adapting to a changing climate.

Year Completed

1920

Dam Length

390

Dam Height

15

River Or Stream

BEAR CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

200

Nid Storage

1280

Hazard Potential

Significant

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

15
       
Seasonal Comparison

Weather Forecast

Dam Data Reference

Condition Assessment

Satisfactory
No existing or potential dam safety deficiencies are recognized. Acceptable performance is expected under all loading conditions (static, hydrologic, seismic) in accordance with the minimum applicable state or federal regulatory criteria or tolerable risk guidelines.
Fair
No existing dam safety deficiencies are recognized for normal operating conditions. Rare or extreme hydrologic and/or seismic events may result in a dam safety deficiency. Risk may be in the range to take further action. Note: Rare or extreme event is defined by the regulatory agency based on their minimum
Poor A dam safety deficiency is recognized for normal operating conditions which may realistically occur. Remedial action is necessary. POOR may also be used when uncertainties exist as to critical analysis parameters which identify a potential dam safety deficiency. Investigations and studies are necessary.
Unsatisfactory
A dam safety deficiency is recognized that requires immediate or emergency remedial action for problem resolution.
Not Rated
The dam has not been inspected, is not under state or federal jurisdiction, or has been inspected but, for whatever reason, has not been rated.
Not Available
Dams for which the condition assessment is restricted to approved government users.

Hazard Potential Classification

High
Dams assigned the high hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation will probably cause loss of human life.
Significant
Dams assigned the significant hazard potential classification are those dams where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life but can cause economic loss, environment damage, disruption of lifeline facilities, or impact other concerns. Significant hazard potential classification dams are often located in predominantly rural or agricultural areas but could be in areas with population and significant infrastructure.
Low
Dams assigned the low hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life and low economic and/or environmental losses. Losses are principally limited to the owner's property.
Undetermined
Dams for which a downstream hazard potential has not been designated or is not provided.
Not Available
Dams for which the downstream hazard potential is restricted to approved government users.